The World's Abortion Laws Map

Link between unsafe abortion and maternal mortality

CRR "Since 1998, the Center for Reproductive Rights has produced The World’s Abortion Laws map to visually compare the legal status of induced abortion in different countries—and to advocate for greater progress in ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services for all women worldwide. The World Abortion Laws Map 2014 was launched in commemoration of the 20-year anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action. The legal status of abortion is an important indicator of women’s ability to enjoy their reproductive rights. Legal restrictions on abortion often cause high levels of illegal and unsafe abortion, and there is a proven link between unsafe abortion and maternal mortality. We offer this publication as a resource for human rights advocates working on abortion law reform—and as a means of both tracking progress and identifying the challenges that must still be overcome."